A look at what's going on in Trinidad, on H Street, and in the larger area north of Capitol Hill.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
NBC4: Durkl Headed to H Street?
NBC4 reports that the headquarters for the men's clothing brand Durkl is vacating its space in Chinatown, and will likely move into new digs somewhere on H Street.
Are we now entering the retail phase of growth on H? That would be amazing! First the bike shop, then the Atlas Vet, now a high end clothing brand HQ and flagship store? Keep it comin!
Actually, first the flower ship and Metro Mutts, which have both been in operation for over a year now! But yes, the trend looks very positive and exciting...
Umm yeah what about older grocery stores, the hardware stores, multiple clothing stores, multiple pharmacies, corner stores etc way before those stores. Or is that not the right kind of retail? Ya'll kill me.
The article said "Durkl is tentatively slated to move to H Street N.E". So hold on hipsters, for now you'll have to continue to make the best of DTLR, H Street connection and Euro Style (which had some surprisingly decent items, that i notice during the H Street Festival, though pricey) . Also, just noticed signs on the big gray 10 dollar store at 7th and H proclaiming they're going out of business. Anyone got the 411?
I agree that we already have retail and a few minor tweeks would make it seem thriving. The first thing they need to do is be open past 6pm. When most of the the crowds show up on H St, these stores have already pulled their garage doors down. Nobody knows if there is a functioning business behind there. Stay open til like 9 or 10 or just leave the front lights on and garage doors up. Maybe there is a security concern. Hire some guy to go down the street and pull the doors down at midnight or something or get the grate garage doors. This would also act as some kind of advertising and make some parts of the strip seem less desolate. It is hard to see inside from outside during the day. Nobody knows what these places sell unless they go out of their way to look. Its easy to see inside at night and maybe when someone comes back when the store is open, they remember that DTLR might have some sneakers or hoodies they'd be interested in.
Agreed. Frankly, riot grating == bad neighbor. Also, last time I checked, commercial establishments that want my business actually pursued it. The new establishments by and large have. The old ones haven't bothered. In fact, they often exhibit the kind of begrudging, entitled attitude shown by "H Street Landlord".
If people aren't shopping at your store, *you* are the one that's fucking up. Not your (massive) potential customer base.
Yes, I've lived in the area for 3 years now, but I don't work in the area. Thus, nothing is ever open (late evenings and weekends) when I'm in my own neighborhood, except the new places. Have Saturday AND Sunday hours, stay open later, close on a Monday/Tuesday if you need to, but court the people who live in the neighborhood and can't shop 9-5. By and large, the older places don't do that.
yes, there is some retail, but when people express a yearning for retail, what they are really expressing is a yearning for a 21st century approach to retail.
i'm not bothered by the security gates at all, but even when places are open they seem closed. and they seem to still be living in the 80's.
stores adapt if they wish to survive. stores are ahead of the curve if they wish to thrive.
15 comments:
This is awesome news. Bring on the retail.
Nerd retail?
http://citythatbreeds.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/urkel.jpg
Are we now entering the retail phase of growth on H? That would be amazing! First the bike shop, then the Atlas Vet, now a high end clothing brand HQ and flagship store? Keep it comin!
Actually, first the flower ship and Metro Mutts, which have both been in operation for over a year now! But yes, the trend looks very positive and exciting...
Umm yeah what about older grocery stores, the hardware stores, multiple clothing stores, multiple pharmacies, corner stores etc way before those stores. Or is that not the right kind of retail? Ya'll kill me.
I am super excited about new retail also though.
The article said "Durkl is tentatively slated to move to H Street N.E". So hold on hipsters, for now you'll have to
continue to make the best of DTLR, H Street connection and Euro Style (which had some surprisingly decent items, that i notice during the H Street Festival, though pricey) . Also, just noticed signs on the big gray 10 dollar store at 7th and H proclaiming they're going out of business. Anyone got the 411?
Actually DTLR has some really nice stuff, and the staff is always friendly.
Euro Style has some amazing clothes though they are expensive. You should check them out.
H Street Landlord,
I agree that we already have retail and a few minor tweeks would make it seem thriving. The first thing they need to do is be open past 6pm. When most of the the crowds show up on H St, these stores have already pulled their garage doors down. Nobody knows if there is a functioning business behind there. Stay open til like 9 or 10 or just leave the front lights on and garage doors up. Maybe there is a security concern. Hire some guy to go down the street and pull the doors down at midnight or something or get the grate garage doors. This would also act as some kind of advertising and make some parts of the strip seem less desolate. It is hard to see inside from outside during the day. Nobody knows what these places sell unless they go out of their way to look. Its easy to see inside at night and maybe when someone comes back when the store is open, they remember that DTLR might have some sneakers or hoodies they'd be interested in.
It would really be awesome if they didn't stick their obnoxious ass bumper stickers everywhere.
@leave the lights on:
Agreed. Frankly, riot grating == bad neighbor. Also, last time I checked, commercial establishments that want my business actually pursued it. The new establishments by and large have. The old ones haven't bothered. In fact, they often exhibit the kind of begrudging, entitled attitude shown by "H Street Landlord".
If people aren't shopping at your store, *you* are the one that's fucking up. Not your (massive) potential customer base.
Good post Leave the Lights on.
Anon 10:39, get a handle before you call me entitled. Best,
Yes, I've lived in the area for 3 years now, but I don't work in the area. Thus, nothing is ever open (late evenings and weekends) when I'm in my own neighborhood, except the new places. Have Saturday AND Sunday hours, stay open later, close on a Monday/Tuesday if you need to, but court the people who live in the neighborhood and can't shop 9-5. By and large, the older places don't do that.
dt, unless you need a purple plaid suit it doesn't matter.
yes, there is some retail, but when people express a yearning for retail, what they are really expressing is a yearning for a 21st century approach to retail.
i'm not bothered by the security gates at all, but even when places are open they seem closed. and they seem to still be living in the 80's.
stores adapt if they wish to survive. stores are ahead of the curve if they wish to thrive.
Post a Comment